The Nailbiters Turn up the Beat

Written by Alexis Evans

The Nailbiters Turn up the Beat

Heating Up ICT With Classic Rock

Written by Alexis Evans

From the halls of Derby High School to the crowds of Riverfest, self-taught Derby band The Nailbiters is making a splash in the Wichita music scene. Members Blayne Albright (rhythm guitar and vocals) Landon Francis (drums) Karter Holinde (bass guitar and vocals) Ellis May (lead guitar and vocals) and Johnny Pernice (keys and guitar) have skillfully crafted a blend that is as undeniably electric as some of the greats that they cover.

What makes their band bond so unique is that it was discovered by chance, during a senior project in their high school music class. During this project, they found they had a synergistic blend that was hard to deny. During their cover of Johnny Cash’s “Folsom Prison Blues,” the band realized their blend of natural talent and chemistry could be something truly special. Thus, the Nailbiters was born.

Johnny, Ellis, Landon, Blayne and Karter

Though each had been involved in music in their own way, it had never occurred to them to start a band, and so the creation of this group was a surprise to all of them. After this performance, this group of friends was determined to begin pursuing their music on a professional basis. They spent the next two years practicing twice a week in various members’ basements, honing their skills, perfecting their blend, and solidifying their bond as a premier and professional band.

Tight Vocal Blends

Their appealing sound and tight vocal blend is due in large part to individual musical influences for each member. According to their band bio, each member has very specific musical tastes and influences: Blayne prefers classic rock, Landon has a jazzy background with a fascination for classic rock, Karter grew up with exposure to ’50s and ’60s rock and ’90s pop, Ellis has an early love for classic rock that inspired his love of performing, and Johnny has undergone a deep transition from hip-hop to rock. With each member’s diverse background, they come together to create a solid ’70s and ’80s classic rock sound, with a little bit of ’90s flare. The Nailbiters draw inspiration from the likes of Van Halen, The Eagles, Queen and much more.

With member mother Charissima Albright managing, these talented young gentlemen are determined to succeed the right way. Amidst their pursuit of music, each member is enrolled in college classes or working a part-time job, aware that their commitment is to their community as much as it is to each other to succeed in a positive way. In between gigs at events such as the Trowbridge Memorial, Wichita Riverfest (even winning Battle of the Bands in 2024), and various private and public events, the tight-knit group loves to unwind together at some of their favorite Derby spots such as Pizza John’s, Buffalo Wild Wings or Braum’s Ice Cream.

While The Nailbiters electrify Wichita as one the area’s most promising musical groups, their aspirations continue to grow. With endless performance requests, including an invitation from America’s Got Talent, the band shows only one direction in which to move: up.